reading the Banns
What are banns?
Banns are a public announcement of your intention to marry. They allow others to put forward any reason why your marriage may not legally take place.
When and where?
Banns must be read in the principal Sunday service of the church in which you intend to marry on three separate (though not necessarily consecutive) Sundays within the three months prior to your wedding.
In the Glen Group banns are usually read on the first three Sundays of the month, two months prior to your wedding. The dates and times for the reading of the banns will be confirmed for you in writing, following the booking of your wedding.
What if I live in a different Parish?
Banns will also need to be read in your parish of residence, if this is different to the parish in which you intend to marry.
It is your responsibility to organize this, and to bring evidence that `no objection to your marriage has been alleged'. Usually this evidence takes the form of a certificate signed by the vicar in your parish of residence. S/he will be entitled to make a small charge.
A cautionary note.
If by the date of your wedding you are unable to furnish proof that banns have been read in your parish of residence, legally your wedding cannot proceed. It is therefore wise to ensure that you attend the reading of the banns and deliver (not post) the banns certificate to the Glen Vicarage at the earliest opportunity.
When banns are not permitted.
- If you are a national of a country which is outside the European Economic Area, you will require a Superintendent Registrar’s Certificate to marry, rather than having banns read.
- If you give insufficient notice to read the banns before the date of the wedding, you will need to obtain a Common License.
- If you are British but do not live in England or Wales, you will also need a Common Licence rather than banns.
In case of difficulty please contact the Vicar, who will be pleased to advise.
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